Henry Honeycutt and Colin Sullivan, both eighth-grade students at Polo Park Middle School, participated in the State Science and Engineering Fair along with their experiment titled “Explosive Sweets”. The fair was held from April 2 to April 4 and organized by the Florida Foundation for Future Scientists, a statewide nonprofit organization that encourages students to pursue STEM careers.
Sullivan’s experiment earned him the fourth-place award in the chemistry category. The experiment aimed to test the explosive potential of sugar particles under specific conditions, demonstrating how small particles can become explosive. The State Science and Engineering Fair provides a platform for students to showcase their experiments and compete at a higher level.
To qualify for the fair, students must design and conduct experiments according to specific protocols, document their results, and present their findings to judges at their school. Winners at the school level then move on to compete at the Palm Beach Regional Science and Engineering Fair, with regional winners representing their schools and county at the statewide event.
Reflecting on his experience at the fair, Sullivan mentioned that it was well-organized, and participants were supportive and friendly. He enjoyed discussing projects with other students and encouraged future students to participate in such events as they can lead to positive opportunities.
